WHAT SUPRISES ME ABOUT SPAIN? Siesta, Mañana, and 10 More Things That Surprise Me in Spain.

New Year's Eve is a great time to share my impressions of life in Spain. This is a country where culture, traditions, and ways of life always spark interest and surprise. I’m very lucky to be here, and today I want to talk about some aspects of life in Spain that have truly amazed me. I’ll start with the brightest and most unusual moments I’ve encountered in this wonderful country.

Noise and fun are the norm!

When I moved to Valencia, one of the first things I noticed was the constant noise everywhere. Whether you’re in a café, a bar, or just walking down the street, there’s always a hum of chatter and laughter. It’s not just background noise — it’s a vibrant buzz that can get so loud you might feel like you’re in the middle of a festival or market. In one bar, for example, three people could be talking so loudly that even if you’re sitting close, you can’t hear your own conversation. And for the locals, this is completely normal.

This loud, animated way of speaking creates an atmosphere of constant celebration. It might seem rude or overwhelming to outsiders, but for Spaniards, it’s simply how they live. They’re used to living loudly and joyfully, and this energy is part of what makes Valencia so special.

The local motto, "Vivir para disfrutar" (live for enjoyment), perfectly captures the Spanish approach to life. Spaniards love socializing, and going out to cafes, bars, and restaurants is a huge part of their daily routine. While going out used to be more of a weekend activity, the financial crisis in 2008 changed this. People started going out more often, not just to escape their troubles, but to enjoy life, even in small ways.

Today, restaurants and bars are busy with both locals and tourists who want to join in the celebration. The focus isn’t just on the food or drinks, but on the experience of sharing good moments with others. Even though going out may happen less frequently than before, it still remains an important part of life in Spain. It’s not just about the occasion; it’s about savoring the moment and celebrating life together.


From restraint to freedom and joy of life

Spain, as we know it today, has come a long way from restriction and restraint to a celebration of life and carefree joy. For many years, especially during Franco’s dictatorship, the country was closed off, strict, and full of limitations — both for women and for anything related to entertainment culture. In those times, there was no such thing as enjoying sunny terraces or riding roller coasters on weekends. All of that only came about in the 2000s.

After Franco’s death, Spain sort of “woke up.” The entire burst of changes — from free music and punk rock to bars, restaurants, and relentless partying — became possible only with the arrival of the new era. Suddenly, the country began to awaken from its long stagnation. Spain said: “Hooray! I take off my sombrero and dive into the world of fun and joy!” This was a turning point for the entire culture and way of life of Spaniards.

To understand the significance of these changes, it’s important to note that Spain was quite different until the 2000s. At the time when other countries were beginning to realize their paths, Spain said: “That’s it, I’m ready!” It was then that the country freed itself from old stereotypes and developed a completely new view of life.

Mulled Wine in Hot Barcelona: The Spanish Drink Culture

One of the defining features of life in Spain is, of course, its drinks. For example, finding mulled wine in hot Barcelona is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Spaniards don't understand why anyone would drink hot beverages in such heat. For them, a hot drink is more likely to be coffee. Spaniards are true coffee lovers. Every day, they drink cafecito, cortado, and if it's a bit later, a latte or just an espresso. Coffee here is not just a drink — it's a ritual that Spaniards have practiced throughout their lives.

When it comes to other hot drinks, as strange as it may sound, Spaniards don’t understand the concept of tea the way we know it. In Spain, tea is more of a sign that something’s wrong with you. If you feel unwell, have a headache, are depressed, or are worried about something, you’ll be offered manzanilla — chamomile tea. And this isn't just a tradition, it's a whole philosophy! In Spain, even doctors often say, “Drink manzanilla, it will help you.”

Mulled wine in Spain is an experience that not every tourist encounters. But for someone like me, who’s used to cold winters, New Year’s in Barcelona is a chance to try this drink at the Christmas markets. In Spanish culture, there is no concept of winter hot drinks like we have in the North. Even in winter, Spaniards don't particularly like warm drinks, and mulled wine is something foreign and exotic to them. Nevertheless, it’s one of those things that gives Barcelona a special atmosphere in the winter months, creating a festive feeling.

Culinary Culture: Frying Everything in Olive Oil

Now, let’s talk about Spain's gastronomic traits. Spaniards are true masters of frying! Their cuisine doesn’t leave much room for casseroles or ovens. Everything is cooked on a frying pan, grilled, or sautéed.
And when it comes to oil, of course, olive oil reigns as the king of Spanish cuisine. It’s not just an ingredient, it’s a true cult. It’s used everywhere — from frying to hair care.

Olive oil is everything! In fact, when it became more expensive last year, Spaniards were surprised that other oils even exist in the world. But of course, olive oil remains on its pedestal because it makes every dish uniquely delicious.


Churros and Nightlife: Perfect Late-Night Treats

If you’re in Barcelona at night, you might notice that Spaniards love eating churros — delicious fried dough sticks served with hot chocolate. This is not just a morning snack, as we might think. If you’re returning from a party or club at 7 AM, you definitely should try churros.

They’re so fatty, sweet, and tasty that they’ll win you over! In Barcelona, churros are the number one late-night food, and on New Year’s Eve, you should definitely try them with hot chocolate.

New Year’s Traditions in Spain: Red Underwear, Grapes, and a Little Magic!
Friends, since I not only make videos about the peculiarities of life in Spain but also talk about New Year’s traditions, I certainly can’t overlook the most interesting moments of this season. Spain is a country where New Year’s isn’t just a date on the calendar, but a true celebration with unique customs that you can’t miss!

Red Underwear: The Key to New Year's Success

If you want to be a true Spaniard on the night of December 31st to January 1st, red underwear is a must-have! Yes, you heard that right. In Spain, there’s a tradition of starting the New Year in red underwear, and this applies not only to women but to men too! And these undergarments must be bought during the New Year’s holiday season. If you walk past the windows of Spanish stores, you’ll immediately notice — red underwear will be everywhere. This is not just a joke; it’s an important symbol of good luck and happiness in the coming year. So, if you don’t have your red underwear yet, hurry — the time has come!

Interestingly, there’s another tradition — it’s preferable if someone gifts you the red underwear. But if that doesn't happen, no worries. You can always buy them yourself, as one Spanish taxi driver proudly told me, explaining that he bought 57 pairs of red underwear for his girlfriend.


12 Grapes: One Wish for Each Month

But red underwear is just the beginning! In Spain, there’s another tradition that is truly magical and full of positivity — the 12 grapes at midnight. When the clock strikes twelve and the New Year begins, every Spaniard must eat one grape with each of the twelve chimes. It’s important to remember: you need to make a wish for each grape, and according to tradition, if you do everything correctly, all your wishes will come true throughout the year.

Don’t forget to buy grapes, keep them in your hands or pocket, and be ready for the moment. It really works — tried and tested over the years!

Lentil Soup and Champagne with a Gold Ring

As in any other country, New Year’s is a time for celebrations, but in Spain, there are special dishes that must be on the festive table. Lentil soup is another tradition that symbolizes prosperity for the upcoming year. Additionally, there will be a glass of good champagne, and you must place something gold in your glass — for example, a ring. It is believed that this brings luck and wellbeing in the New Year.
Also, don’t forget to start the year with the right foot. It’s said that if you step with your right foot on the first step of the new year, the whole year will be lucky.


Mañana — The Philosophy of Life

Let’s move on to one of the most famous aspects of the Spanish character: mañana. This word has become synonymous with the idea that Spaniards always do things… well, later. They don’t rush, they don’t hurry, and they don’t stress. “Tomorrow” is their motto.

But in reality, this trait is not just laziness or irresponsibility. It’s a way of life, where everything happens at its own pace, and no one worries about doing things quickly or immediately. Yes, sometimes it seems like Spaniards put things off indefinitely, but they still get them done. They just take their time and do it at their own pace, without stress.

When I’m standing in line at the store, I always notice how calmly Spaniards wait their turn, without trying to overtake anyone or rush the process. Unlike us, where the constant desire to “hurry up” can lead to anxiety, Spaniards simply enjoy the moment and don’t worry. This relaxed attitude might be one of the reasons they live longer and are happier.


Siesta: the perfect way to recharge

Now, let’s talk about the siesta. This is perhaps one of the most famous Spanish traditions, but when you start living in Spain, you realize how logical and beneficial it is.
The siesta is a true cultural phenomenon, where many shops and restaurants close from 2 to 5 or even 6 PM, and people rest. It’s not just a tradition; it’s a real necessity, especially on hot days. Spaniards know how important it is to take a break in the middle of the day to recharge and continue with renewed energy.
Imagine being a local pharmacist. Your pharmacy operates until 2 PM, then you close it and head upstairs to your apartment. It’s hot, there are no customers, so you lie down to sleep. After your siesta, from 5-6 PM, you reopen your pharmacy and work until 9-10 PM. There’s a logic to it: the workday is stretched out but doesn’t overload you.

Not all Spaniards follow the tradition of the siesta — only 30-40% of the population actually takes a nap during this time. But the idea of splitting the day into two parts is still helpful in restoring energy and working with a full resource. For me, it was incredibly useful — it’s like starting a new day after a little rest.


Naked and Free

The first thing that struck me was how easy it is to orient yourself and feel like part of local life in Spain. People here are much more open and laid-back than in other countries I’ve visited. This is especially true when it comes to attitudes toward the body and nudity.

When I first visited a sports club, I was a little shocked. In the locker room, all the women walk around naked without a hint of embarrassment. They calmly apply lotion, chat with each other, and prepare for their workouts. No one tries to cover up, no one feels self-conscious. In our society, this might seem strange or even eccentric. However, here in Spain, it’s perfectly normal. People everywhere — at beaches, resorts, and gyms — are far more relaxed about nudity than we’re used to.
This isn’t just because it’s warm and easy to walk around half-dressed on the beach; it’s also because Spanish culture in general doesn’t impose the same strict limitations as, say, some religious countries.

There’s no sense of shame about the body; it’s viewed as a natural part of life. This does take some getting used to, but over time you start to feel much more confident.
I remembered a time I was in the Netherlands, where there was also a sauna with a nudity requirement. I stood in line in my swimsuit, thinking I wasn’t ready for it. But as it turned out, I was ready — you just need to adjust to a different, less self-conscious approach.


Spaniards and their way of communication: friendliness, endearing words, and the art of calm

When we talk about how Spaniards communicate, it’s important to note their incredible openness. This is a truly unique aspect of life in Spain that amazed me.
First of all, Spaniards always speak to each other in the informal “tu” form. This might seem strange compared to other cultures with strict rules about formal and informal address. But for Spaniards, it’s completely natural — they quickly switch to “tu,” whether they’ve just met or have known each other for years. This creates an atmosphere of friendship and trust.

Spaniards often use affectionate expressions like “guapa” (beautiful), “carino” (dear), “amor mio” (my love). These words don’t necessarily imply romantic intentions. They simply express kindness, care, and attention. When you walk into a café, and the barista greets you with “My queen, what coffee would you like?”, it certainly makes you smile. All this kindness and warmth in communication creates an atmosphere of coziness and comfort where you don’t have to worry about unnecessary formality.

What’s also interesting is that Spaniards can remain incredibly calm, even when a situation calls for tension. If something is wrong, they don’t raise their voices or become aggressive like in some other countries. Even if a Spaniard is dissatisfied with something, they continue speaking in a calm, friendly tone. This ability to stay calm and resolve problems with respect, without unnecessary nervousness, is an art in itself.


Spanish shopping style: vintage, sales, and collecting

Another thing that surprised me in Spain was the shopping style that’s popular here. It especially applies to vintage items, sales, and even the most unexpected products that can become real rarities.
Spaniards are true fans of old things and antiques. You wouldn’t believe it, but at local markets and fairs, you can find items like beer caps or old coins. I attended an event where such unusual items were sold. Spaniards have a unique ability to find value in the most ordinary things and collect them.

What’s also interesting is how they treat sales. Unlike the big discounts we’re used to, where everything is marked down 50% or more, in Spain sales happen more gently and politely. Sellers don’t push for discounts, but may offer a small price reduction if they see the item really suits you. It’s done in such a friendly way that sometimes you don’t even feel like bargaining — you feel like you’re dealing with an old friend. There’s something charming about it: shopping becomes not just a transaction, but a little interaction where everyone’s interested in the other person, and no one wants to offend anyone.


Swearing: an unexpected twist

And here’s another interesting feature of the Spanish language worth mentioning. Despite their friendliness and warmth, Spaniards actively use swear words in everyday speech. But this doesn’t mean they’re angry or aggressive. On the contrary, it’s simply part of their normal communication. Words like “joder,” “ostia,” and “coño” are used as often as prepositions or other common words.

Interestingly, Spaniards will swear for no apparent reason, not attaching much meaning to these words. It’s just part of their emotional expression, and their speech remains just as friendly and sincere.
This is also a very interesting point. Despite the swearing, they manage to remain friendly and positive. I’m not sure how they do it. Everything is in contrast. Life is for enjoyment. Parks, entertainment, supermarkets, endless concerts, parties, and celebrations — that’s Spain for you. But friends, it’s important to understand that it wasn’t always this way.


Catalan Tradition: The Log That "Poops" Gifts

No one can imagine New Year’s in Catalonia without one of the most unusual and amusing characters — the log that "poops" gifts. This is a tradition that tourists often don’t understand, but it’s incredibly popular among the locals. In children's homes and schools, kids are given a log, which they feed throughout the week. Yes, they feed it! They give it tangerine peels, raisins, candies, and even water. All of this is supposed to make the log "grow," and then, on Christmas Day, the moment of magic arrives.

On Christmas, children take a stick and start hitting the log, and gifts "fall out" of it. The magic lies in the fact that the log, hidden under a blanket, holds all the surprises, and this moment becomes the highlight of the celebration. You won’t believe it, but it’s so big that you can find the log not only in homes but also in town squares near churches, in kindergartens, and schools. This is a tradition that the locals are very proud of!

New Year’s Wishes
Friends, I want to wish you a Happy New Year, filled with happiness, joy, prosperity, and, of course, lots of love.
May your dreams come true, and may your life be full of adventures. Spaniards, more than anyone, know how to enjoy the moment and create an atmosphere of joy.
So I’m sure that with their spirit, with their approach to life, we can also live this year with pleasure, taking our time and enjoying every moment.